Corporate & Hospitality

Socceroos bracing for a tough match

The Socceroos are bracing themselves for a tough match on Sunday, if as they expect, they play Iraq at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

The Socceroos are bracing themselves for a tough match on Sunday, if as they expect, they play Iraq at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Luke Wilkshire was at pains to say they believe the game will go ahead, despite the threat of sanctions against Iraq, which could result in the match being cancelled.

The Iraqi squad and team officials arrived in Brisbane last night, to be greeted by Iraqi supporters and a throng of media, wanting to get their thoughts on the disappointing situation that has arisen in the past week.

There is no doubt it-s a difficult preparation for everyone concerned, but the players are trying to put it to the back of their minds and are confident the game will go ahead as planned.

“We-re not preparing for the fact the game could be off,” said Wilkshire, as the players enjoyed a morning break from training. “We-re looking forward to Sunday; we-re expecting the game is going to go ahead and that-s how we-re preparing.”

“Everyone wants to see the game go ahead. We are footballers and we just want to play football.”

And if they do play them, he has no doubts it will be a tough game, although he is confident Australia will get the better of them.

“Obviously they are a good side; a strong side; they won the Asian Cup which is no mean feat, so they are going to be difficult.

“They have got a lot to play for. It-s a big for them, as it is for us; they-re always dangerous.

“We-ve had problems with them in the past. They have a couple of dangerous strikers, but we-re at home and we-re going to be looking to win the game.”

Wilkshire comes back to Australia is arguably the best form of his career, having played a significant role in FC Twente capturing the second Dutch spot in next season-s Champions League.

“I-ve had a good season at club level; I-ve enjoyed it. I-ve come back home and I look forward to doing a good job for the Socceroos.”

The 27-year-old, who has become a regular in the first team, welcomed the strong competition for places with the big squad in Brisbane and believes that competition for places will help get Australia through these qualifiers.

“It-s always good that there is competition in the squad. It-s good everyone-s back and fit and ready to play.
“That-s all you can ask of everyone and then it-s up to Pim on who he wants to play.

“Every time we pull on a jersey, we want to win. Playing at home is special for everyone and we need to get through this group as quickly as possible.”